Quote Originally Posted by emily_in_nc
even slicks on a mtb is not going to equal a road bike's speed. Road bikes are lighter, you ride them (typically) in a more aerodynamic position with drop handlebars), and the tires are skinnier than anything you could use on a hybrid or mtb wheel's rim. If you really want to go fast, you do need a road bike. You're going to work that much harder trying to keep up with roadies on a heavier bike. Of course, riding a heavier bike does make you stronger. Then when you do get a road bike, you'll feel as if you're flying!
Emily
Feeling like flying -- was cruising at 18+ mph for 10 and then 20 minutes or so yesterday morning, and yup, it was terrific! Then came the next hill... That 20 minutes, though, it hooked me! (felt a bit sad on the big downhill stretch: intersection with busy road right at the bottom! had to be able to stop, darn it!)

I know I can't get the same sort of speed out of my current bike -- talked about that a bit with DPITA today, as we discussed that the group's next ride will be 40 miles -- they'll be able to do it in two. If we join them, we would be doing exceptionally well to do it in three. (I'll be out of town, can't go. he's planning on it.) I battle big frustration when it comes to trying to keep up with my fellow riders (mostly DPITA and often one of his friends from work) and am trying hard to learn to enjoy the view from the rear, but if I can add an assist from a lighter, smoother rolling tire, so I can feel less like I'm holding things up, I'm up for it!

On the other hand, as you say, our current machines are making us strong, and we do endurance pretty well for newbies. I figure that when I DO get that road bike, I should keep riding this one at least half the time, for just those reasons!

Hmmm, giving yesterday's ride a bit of thought for a moment -- during that first gleeful stretch of speed(which immediately followed a hellish hill that I did NOT have to stop and walk up!)(mighta been faster), DPITA came sailing up behind me hollering that I needed to slow down: I think he figures I'll hurt myself! So maybe he's NOT trying to annoy me after all....

Karen in Boise